Technology Requirements

In order to participate fully in the course, you should already be able to use the technology platform and applications listed below.

• Mac OS System or Windows XP or Vista
• Microsoft Office (Word and PowerPoint) or Mac Office (Word and Keynote)
• Web Browser (e.g., Firefox, Safari, Netscape Communicator, or Internet Explorer)
• Email Program (e.g., Purdue Webmail, Outlook, Eudora, Thunderbird, Gmail, etc.)

Technology Responsibilities

Familiarity with certain technologies is crucial for participation and success in the course. If you need any assistance now or at any point during the semester, please do not hesitate to ask.

Very early in the semester, you will be asked to demonstrate that you can meet these responsibilities:

• Register for the course website and complete your profile information.
• Post a blog entry about yourself and your interests
• Read the course description and calendar, then ask questions when you are uncertain about requirements or activities.
• Set up your @purdue.edu email or an alternative that you can access regularly and reliably
• Become proficient sending and receiving email attachments, resolving file compatibility issues, and following email decorum.
• Check the course calendar daily for the timely completion of assignments.
• Become more proficient with unfamiliar computer technologies and applications, such as the creation of PDF files.
• Maintain back-up copies of all assignments via your home directory, disks, USB drives, or CDs.

During the semester, you'll need regular access to the Internet and email. Because the course home page is the main locus of the class community, you are responsible for reading and keeping current with all content posted there, including what has been submitted by both the instructor and your fellow students. You'll be responsible for configuring your system to access course materials, to read course email and participate in online discussions, and to submit your work.

If at any time you have problems accessing the Internet from home, you'll need to find a public lab or connection point. Problems with computers will not be an excuse for falling behind or failing to complete required assignments. If your Internet service goes down, use another computer. If your computer breaks, use another computer. In other words, find a way to complete the assignments on time. Because computer problems are a fact of life, always work to complete your assignments early and make frequent backups to multiple media.

I also ask that you use the technology in the classroom in a courteous and professional manner. In particular, please do not print documents, surf the Web, do work for other classes, or IM in the middle of discussion or presentations. If you need to use the machine for class-related purposes when someone else is talking, please type or mouse-click quietly.  

Course Technologies

• Course Website (built on a content management system called Drupal)
• Dreamweaver (Web Editor)
• Powerpoint, Word, Keynote, Google Docs (for collaboration and presentation)
• Acrobat and Acrobat Reader
• Adobe Connect (for group meetings, as needed)